Here we go!

To carry on where Pastor Pete Rudowski left off, I have set up this weblog to provide an avenue of communication and connection between the Epiphany Lutheran Church community and me.  I hope to use this as an opportunity to share my thoughts and insights, as well as a chance for you to respond to these posts with your thoughts - your comments are welcomed and encouraged.  This is my first effort in using this medium, so I am sure there will be a learning curve for all of us!

Here is what I have in mind for the next few weeks - the first installments of this blog will be to introduce myself to you.  I hope I don't come across as arrogant - one who thinks it is all about me - but for the time being, that is what I know best.  I hope to incorporate some pictures along the way as part of introduction so you can meet my family and learn more about us.

Once we get to know each other better, my focus will shift to my first impressions of Epiphany.  I believe it is helpful to hear what those who are new to the church see when they arrive, because we who have been at the place for years have become accustomed to our surroundings and do not see things with fresh eyes.  I would encourage you to do this with visitors and new members.  How is Epiphany perceived?  What do people see and hear and experience when they come, and what is it that brings them back?  Oops - I am getting ahead of myself.

 Once I have had a chance to get settled in, I plan to use this space for sharing opportunties for mission and ministry in the church.  I feel I will have a much better grasp of this once I am on board in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned!

So where we are right now is a time of transition.  I write this entry a couple days before my final Sunday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville.  My focus and energy are on taking time to say good-bye to those I have come to love and serve these past 12 plus years.  My wife, Lisa and I are taking some vacation time after that, then we will be with you the first weekend in October.  For the time being, we will be commuting - our house is up for sale, but there has been little activity so far (Anyone want to buy a house in Westerville?).  We will make due and we know God has brought us this far, and things will happen when they are to happen. 

We look forward to being with you soon. 

Peace,
Pastor Charlie (PC)